In a new competition this year, producers attending MIPCOM were encouraged to pitch their ideas to a leading buyer, Red Arrow International‘s Senior VP of Production & Development, Mike Timmerman (pictured above, right). The twist: they had to do it startup-style, in the elevator of Cannes’ Le Cavendish hotel, in just 15 seconds; and via MIP Markets’ Instagram account (where you can still check out all the pitches, by the way!)
Channel 20/Israel Hayom news anchor Lital Shemesh (left above) won with Last Chance to Run, a show which gives fiancées a last chance to change their minds before they get married:
Her prize, a meeting with Timmermann in the Palais today, also gave her the opportunity to pitch a second idea, an « interactive singing talent show combining special technical elements and social media. »
Timmermann « said he really likes the ideas, and will share them with his management, » said Shemesh after the meeting — although the competition comes with no obligation for the buyer to acquire the concept. Still, added the news presenter, « I provided really detailed information on the concepts, right down to length and number of episodes, so I think I told him all he needed to know. »
« The elevator pitch is a great technique, » enthused Shemesh; « it’s exciting to have 15 seconds to tell your format. » That said, the presenter has already made great strides without the competition; at this, her first MIP, two new shows she conceived are being launched: Cook for the Chefs (Global Agency) and a docu-reality show called Come to Bed, with Small World.
Does this success mean Shemesh will give up her day job? Not necessarily. « In Israel, a lot of hosts also create programmes, so it’s not that unusual, » she says. « You need to constantly search for more creative ways to do things, especially in the news sector, where everything is changing. You see anchors posting 1 minute clips on social media; Facebook Live is growing; and not to mention VR. »
Special thanks to independent producer Lisa Gray, and TBWA/Zurich’s Sandra Lehner, who conceived and ran the MIPCOM Elevator Pitch like the total pros they are; Mike Timmermann, for his essential participation; everyone who pitched their ideas; and to le Cavendish hotel, for welcoming us for the pitches!
